Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 55.04
Liaison Prabhakar Shrestha
Submission Date Jan. 13, 2023

STARS v2.2

New Jersey Institute of Technology
IN-50: Innovation D

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Mikaila Ullal
Sustainability Specialist
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
VentureLink

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Dubbed as the “Physical Home of Entrepreneurship at NJIT,” VentureLink hosts a number of programs for both student and community entrepreneurs. VentureLink also aims to help minorities and people in need of investment funds. Two of the programs are especially highlighted here:

1) Brick City Entrepreneurship Training: Designed for people of color or from indigenous heritage, this program provides six-week boot camp for upcoming entrepreneurs in foundational entrepreneurial skills to become high-growth, technology founder or a main-street small business founder. Through mentorship, Venturelink provides opportunities for underrepresented groups.

2) Entrepreneur-In-Residence: This program provides training, access, and support to black, indigenous, and people of color who are interested in becoming high-tech, high-growth entrepreneurs. The EIR’s receive a financial stipend, access to entrepreneurial training and mentors, and an opportunity to build startups grounded in university intellectual property, partnered with researchers.

Example:
Student, Vishva Rana ‘23, used Venturelink to advance her research on a real-time air monitoring filter. This system would allow residents and policy-makers to gain an understanding of where specific pollution sources are, so they can make informed decisions. Through the Highlander Foundry, she was able to build a prototype of her project. In collaboration with Venturelink and Ironbound Community Corporation, they are working on implementing this system in Newark, NJ, our home city, which does have an air pollution problem.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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